House Rules for Christmas

Transcription

1 M essenger A Newsletter of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church & Preschool L ast Christmas, my family gifted me with a piece of artwork entitled House Rules. It is a framed canvas featuring a flowing list of simple words and phrases designed to inspire healthy living. I placed it on the wall in our dining room so I could gain a dose of wisdom before launching out the front door each day. On some days, the words listen, laugh and hug capture my attention. On others, the phrases be kind, do your best and keep your promises speak to me. This simple piece of art reminds me what I stand for and often gives me a challenge each day. The Advent and Christmas seasons present interesting challenges for those who follow Jesus. Often we find ourselves standing against those things we find distasteful. We decry the consumerism that descends on our world and drives many of us to spend more money than we can afford. We speak out against institutions that, in our minds, attempt to make Christmas a secular holiday instead of a spiritual one. We grumble about dearly-held traditions that fall by the wayside, one too many holiday parties, or even the design of coffee cups from a certain worldwide purveyor of excellent lattes. Perhaps we need a House Rules for Christmas designed for the church. It would serve as a clear and present reminder of what we STAND FOR in the midst of everything that Christmas has become in our culture. While the flowing list of words for this Worship vvvv Connect vvvv Serve House Rules for Christmas particular version of House Rules could be so extensive as to cover an entire wall, I think three phrases are most important: 1. God is with us. This is an unlimited promise. No matter where we go, what we do, who we become or how we feel, God will be there. We are forever loved. 2. Deliver joy. We have been given two divine gifts: God s love and the ability to share it. We do this best when we allow joy to flow through us unimpeded by the worries of the day. Let your joy flow. December Expect the unexpected. Christmas is mind-boggling. God came into the world the same way we arrived into the world as a small, helpless, dependent infant with ten tiny fingers and toes. It was completely unexpected. God can and will bring many more unexpected moments of wonderful change. Expect it. I pray that our Christmas celebrations will move you to joyful tears, increase your capacity to hope, and inspire you to loving service. Peace and extreme joy, Pastor Rick New Worship Schedule at Prince of Peace begins December 6 ONE Worship Service at 9:30 a.m. This fall we have joyfully experimented with continuing to offer two distinct worship services on Sunday mornings (8:30 a.m. traditional and 10 a.m. contemporary). We have learned a lot, including the successful introduction of the Sunday school opening to the first 15 minutes of the worship service. However, our most important discovery is that Prince of Peace works best when we worship together. The Church Council has heard your feedback and has prayerfully considered how to best use Sunday mornings to reach more people for God. At our meeting in November, the Council officially voted to move forward with ONE Sunday morning worship service, beginning at 9:30 a.m. There are many reasons for this: 1. You are ready! You have made this abundantly clear over the past few months. You are ready for more than simply starting the worship service at a later time (8:30 a.m. folks) or to have more people attend (10 a.m. folks). You are ready to do something new with the goal of increasing both our connection to God and the number of people we reach with God s love. This is truly awesome. One Service continued on page 5

2 Christmas Eve Worship Schedule December 6 December 13 December 20 December 27 January 3 4 p.m., Family Christmas Worship Featuring the carols you love, a youthful retelling of the nativity story and an interactive children s message, this service is perfect for young families with children and anyone who is young at heart. 7 p.m., Candlelight Christmas Worship Featuring Prince of Peace s talented musicians, the traditional service of candles and carols is the perfect opportunity for families to celebrate the joy of Christmas together. 9 p.m., Candlelight Communion Worship With a more reflective mood, this service of candles, carols and communion is designed to bring peace to your Christmas celebrations. December/Early January Worship Schedule Sundays at 9:30 a.m. (See pages 1 and 5 for more information on new ONE WORSHIP SERVICE) Installation of Audrey Cox as Prince of Peace s Director of Youth and Family Ministries. Special Music, Voices of Praise Children s Christmas Program A Celebration of Christmas Music featuring Voices of Praise and the Desert Bells Service of Lessons and Carols Service of Blessing for the New Year Prayers for Healing in December If you desire prayers for healing, for yourself or someone close to you, your pastors are ready and willing to pray with you. We offer prayers for healing at the altar directly following the worship service on the following Sundays: December 13 and December 20 If you desire prayer at another day/time during the week, don t hesitate to call Pastor Rick or Pastor Paul at the church office and they can arrange a prayer session with you. THE MESSENGER is printed monthly for the purpose of informing members and friends of upcoming events, for sharing good news about our members and for sharing the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ through word and action. OFFICE popphoenixoffice@gmail.com FAX AMA PRESCHOOL Website, Rev. Rick Sherrill, Lead Pastor Rev. Paul Nelson, Visitation Pastor Audrey Cox, Youth & Family Ministry Angela Sherrill Children s Ministry Coordinator Maria Renovato, Office Manager Sara Rushlo Preschool Director Dr. Allen Quie Organist/Choir Accompanist Lynne McGinley Pianist & Choir Director Kay Cook, Bell Director tcook@desertbells.org Glenda Rauscher, AMA Director Keri Herding, Accountant Verna Lauritsen, Assistant Financial Secretary Herman Vergara, Custodian Marge Mayes, Messenger Editor , mtmayes@cox.net CHURCH COUNCIL MEMBERS Craig Myrmel, President; Teri Traaen, President-Elect; Gail Andrews, Vice President/Personnel; Joy Johnson, Secretary; Greg Welch-Rowland, Treasurer; Nancy Stevens, Financial Secretary; Steve Edgar, Les Holland, Carrie Goodman, Brad Beebe, Anita Thorne, Members-at-Large Please see the website for individual staff addresses. Page 32 2

3 Sunday Worship SAVE THE DATES Saturday, February 27 Packathon and Church Brunch, Sunday, January 24 With the onset of the busy holiday season, it s easy to lose sight of those less fortunate, including the hungry children right here in our neighborhood. When the festivities and excitement of the holidays are over, the empty tummies and sadness of these children and their families remain. Prince of Peace will embrace and tackle these issues by hosting the Second Annual Arcadia Cares: Food for Kidz Packathon on Saturday, February 27, 2016 in Gangsei Hall. The entire Arcadia community is again being invited to join members of our church in assembly-line packing of meals for hungry children and their families, locally and internationally. The Food for Kidz model provides individually packaged, highly nutritious and filling meals packed with rice, soy, vitamins and dehydrated vegetables. Each meal provides a day s worth of vitamins and nutrients to enable children to grow up strong and fight off diseases and sickness. These meals have a shelf life of three years. The ingredients being packed cost only fifteen cents (15 ) per meal. One packed box contains 216 meals which, in turn, will feed a child for seven months at a mere cost of $ Year-End Donations To pack tens of thousands of meals to feed hungry children in our neighborhood and elsewhere, monetary donations are needed to purchase the necessary ingredients. Please consider making a tax deductible donation in the amount of one box ($32.40) or several boxes ($64.80 or $97.20 or more). NO AMOUNT IS TOO SMALL! Make your donation through Prince of Peace, indicating that it is for Arcadia Cares: Food for Kidz. Over 60,000 meals were packed at the 2015 event. The goal for 2016 is to pack at least 70,000 meals. As was the case with the 2015 packathon, the majority of the meals packed will help feed the hungry in the Phoenix metro area. Volunteers Needed! Between volunteers are needed to have a successful event. We will be seeking volunteers to sign up for one-hour or two-hour shifts. All ages from three on up are welcome to participate. Signup information will be coming soon. Sponsorships Available Approximately $10,500 is needed to underwrite the cost of packing 70,000 meals. As part of the fund-raising efforts, individual, family and business sponsorships are available at different monetary levels. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Kathy Flores at Kathy817az@yahoo.com or kathyf@tempeaction.org. Church Brunch. To further support the fund-raising effort, a brunch will be held in Gangsei Hall after church on Sunday, January 24. Watch for more details in the January newsletter and announcements at church. December 6 2nd Sunday of Advent (Worship at 9:30 a.m.) Microchange Philippians 4:4-7, Luke 3:7-18 Pastor Rick Sherrill, preaching December 13 3rd Sunday of Advent Children s Christmas Program (One worship service, 9:30 a.m.) December 20 4th Sunday of Advent (Worship at 9:30 a.m.) The Bid Bang Luke 1:39-45, Luke 1:46-55 Pastor Rick Sherrill, preaching December 27 1st Sunday of Christmas (Worship at 9:30 a.m.) Character Development: Simeon Colossians 2:12-17, Luke 2:41-55 Pastor Paul Nelson, preaching Church Office Hours during December The church office will be closed December 24 to January 3. We will reopen on Monday, January If you experience a crisis and are in need of pastoral care during this time, please call Pastor Rick Sherrill (cell: ) or Pastor Paul Nelson (cell: ) directly. 2. If you have year-end financial gifts to deliver, please drop them in the locked mailbox near the front door of the office. To receive donation credit for 2015, your gifts must be postmarked or dropped off by Thursday, December 31. Thank you! Page 3

4 Welcome, Audrey Cox, to Prince of Peace! We are pleased to announce the hiring of Audrey Cox as our Director of Youth and Family Ministries! Audrey officially began her ministry with us on November 30. Welcome Celebration for Audrey On Sunday, December 6, we will officially install Audrey at the 9:30 worship service, with prayers and thanks to God for bringing Audrey to us. We envision this as a milestone Sunday and urge you to participate. Here s the schedule for the morning: 9:30 a.m. ONE Worship Service with Installation and Prayers for Audrey 10:45 a.m. Congregational Party featuring a Pancake Bar in Gangsei Hall (pancakes with many fixings!) There are two additional ways you can welcome Audrey: 1. Write her a card of welcome. You can send these to the church office or drop them off. We plan to decorate her office door with these cards on her first day at POP (Nov. 30). 2. Small gift cards (Target, Starbucks, etc.) Again these can be dropped off at the office. A message from Audrey I have been involved with ministry since I was 20 years old and working as a camp counselor at an ELCA camp in Michigan. After working as the Director of Youth and Family Ministry of a church in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I felt the call to go to seminary. In 2007, I received my master s degree in Children, Youth, and Family Ministry from Luther Seminary in St. Paul and moved to Arizona! I have served at Shepherd of the Valley and Peace Lutheran Churches in Arizona, as well as spending the past three years working for Junior Achievement. I am thrilled that Prince of Peace is where God is calling me to serve next. My husband and I celebrated six years together on November 6. He is my best friend and adventure companion! We love to hike, run, volunteer, and take on new projects and challenges. We are a family of six: Hannah (13), Hailey (11), Hayden (9) are Tony's girls that I have the honor of being stepmom to; and our daughter Avery will be 2 on November 9. I was born and raised in Michigan which makes me a pretty avid sports fan. I'm a lover of music... all kinds! You'll probably catch me singing around church at some point... even if it's just rockin out to a good Adele song in my office. It's important to me to be authentic... so I look forward to getting to know all of you. The real you. And growing in faith and community together. I can tell God is up to some amazing things here. I am thankful to be joining the team. Youth/confirmation News 1. No Confirmation classes in December. Confirmation classes will resume on Sunday, January 10. (New time: 10:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m.) 2. Lutheran Campfermation Tonto Rim Christian Camp in Prescott, AZ. June 26-July 1, 2016 Over 120 Lutheran young people from Arizona Led by Lutheran youth leaders, counselors and support staff Hikes, canoeing, natural water slides, fun at the lake, archery, campfires and Bible study, ropes course and zipline, big group games, arts and crafts, etc. Cost: $150 per person 3. Calling All High School Youth! Audrey will be contacting each of you in December to share her plans for a new high school group that is forming. Stay tuned. Ten young people met Audrey Cox, POP s new Director of Youth and Family Ministries, for pizza and bowling on November 15. Page 4

5 One Service continued from page 1 2. We worship God best in ONE worship service, utilizing the gifts of the entire community. Simply put, our volunteer base is stretched thin in an attempt to cover the needs of two worship services each week. By combining into a single worship service, we can much more effectively manage volunteers and recruit new ones. 3. Our vision is to be a community that consists of radically different people who work together to worship, connect and serve together. Our worshipping community has been divided for many years. Where once this was a strength of our congregation, in recent years it has become a burden. We have lived into our identity as a community of people with different backgrounds, different perspectives and different ages who love to be together. Moving forward with ONE worship service cements this identity and provides a powerful witness to our community that will not allow our differences to define us. The new 9:30 a.m. worship service will feature the best of many musical styles. It will not be traditional or contemporary or blended. As quickly as we can let go of these labels, the better. We are working with our current musicians to create something new. Sometimes you will recognize favorite hymns, songs and liturgies and sometimes you won t. s always, your constructive feedback is always appreciated. We encourage you to ponder the gifts that God has given you and to find your place in service on Sunday mornings. Are you good with numbers? We need more offering counters. Do you like to act on stage? We would like to begin a small drama group. Do you play an instrument? We would love to plug you in for a song or two. Do you think you have no special skills but simply want to serve? We need all kinds of people with nothing more than servant hearts. Thank you for your feedback and your patience the past few months. More importantly, thank you for the faithful hearts that you bring to our community. God is good and shows His goodness to us each and every Sunday morning. We look forward to seeing you in ONE worship service. December Passion Projects Bracelets of Love Bracelets of Love, Buy One Give One (BOGO) for $5. An array of colors will be available and the Give One will be placed in the Honor Health Care Osborn Campus Chapel as a token of love and inspirational support to those who are hurting. A card from Prince of Peace with a comforting message from the congregation will be attached. Christmas Angels This year s Angel Tree is up in the narthex. Please consider adopting one of the angels on the tree. Return the unwrapped gift(s) for the children to Prince of Peace by Sunday, December 13. If you do not have time to shop for a gift but would still like to participate, we have volunteers who will do the shopping for you. If you have questions, please contact Mary Quinsler at or at mquinsler@cox.net Last month's Passion Project, The Pajama Program, collected 39 pairs of ߺpajamas and 26 books! Thank you, Prince of Peace. Year-end Gifts Your 2015 contributions must be postmarked or brought to the office on or before noon on December 31, 2015 in order for you to receive credit on your 2015 Giving Report which you need for filing taxes. To ensure the deductibility of your church contributions, do not file your 2015 income tax return until you have received a written acknowledgment of your contributions from the church. Some of your contributions may not be tax deductible if you file your tax return before receiving a written acknowledgement of your contributions. If you would like to make a contribution with stocks or bonds, please plan early. These transfers take some time but still need to be completed prior to January 1, Contact Keri in the church office if you have any questions. AMA December Recitals Our December recitals will be held, as usual, in the sanctuary on Monday, December 7 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. All are welcome to come hear how we re doing. News of Members & Friends Baptisms November 21 Clara Eve Wolter November 22 Nora Logue Feuer Page 5

6 CHILDREN S MINISTRY A Star Is Born Sunday, December 13 9:30 a.m. Presented by Prince of Peace Sunday School It s Time to Sign Up for Rally in the Valley! Go into the World Registration forms are available in the church office, narthex, or online at rallyinthevalleyaz.org. Speakers include Rev. Elizabeth Eaton, Presiding Bishop of the ELCA, and Daniel Speckard, President and CEO of Lutheran World Relief. Registration fee is $75; however, if eight or more from Prince of Peace register, the cost is $60 per person turn your form into the church office without your registration fee and we will collect it later when we see how many register from Prince of Peace. Questions? Contact Marge Mayes, or mtmayes@cox.net. Registration will close January 26, 2016 or when 500 registrations have been received. Register early WHILE THERE IS STILL SPACE. Join us for this wonderful Christmas musical that teaches us to get down in humility and allow God to use us for His glory. Watch as the children teach the star, Sophia, that the Star of any Christmas is Jesus! Join us for cookies and fellowship following the program. Sunday School Schedule for December December 6 December 12 December 13 December 20 and 27 January 3 One worship service at 9:30 a.m.; Sunday School at 9:30 a.m. 4 p.m., Christmas Program dress rehearsal. Dinner will be provided. One worship service at 9:30 a.m., with Christmas Program A Star is Born No Sunday School. No Sunday School Be sure to join us Thursday, Dec. 24, 4 p.m., for a Family Christmas Eve service filled with Christmas Carols and a family-centered message! President s Column by Craig Myrmel When I was busy building my business, I carried my business cards everywhere I went. I made a point of introducing myself to strangers at coffee shops, stores, other businesses, and even when riding my Harley. At the beginning it was awkward and intimidating to have to put myself out there in order to bring success to my business. Over time it became second nature and I found it easy to strike up conversations, knowing that many of those people would find their way into my office. When was the last time I invited someone to come to Prince of Peace? Truthfully, I can remember three times in the past SEVERAL YEARS! How is that possible? I am not shy, I am not seeking financial reward (like I was in my business), I am not embarrassed to be a Christian; so why is it so hard to extend a simple invitation? It is a complex issue. In my business, people needed me. In our society, fewer people seem to think they need God. I used to be good at convincing people they needed what I was selling, now I need to really work on selling what people really need instead. All of the things we do to be successful in this life are nothing when it comes to the kingdom that follows. The next time we have the opportunity, let s invite someone to join us at POP. Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. page 6

7 Sunday Morning Adult Education John has the most penetrating gaze into the eternal mysteries and the eternal truths and the very mind of God. Many people find themselves closer to God and to Jesus Christ in John than in any other book in the world. William Barclay, minister and NT scholar All classes, led by Laura Mitchell, are Sundays - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Come and see! John 1:46b Date December 13 January 10 January 17 January 24 January 31 February 7 February 14 February 21 February 28 March 6 March 13 March 20 March 27 April 3 April 10 April 17 April 24 May 1 May 8 May 15 May 22 A Taste of Scandinavia Sunday, December :30 p.m., Gangsei Hall Enjoy a smorgasbord dinner and hear the story of St. Lucia watch the Scandinavian dancers perform kids can make Scandinavian Christmas ornaments! Wear your Scandinavian-themed gear sweaters, horned helmets, etc. Cost is $15 per person; $8 for kids 6-12; under 6, free. Tickets are available in the church office or contact Laurie Peterson, or Jana Peterson, All proceeds go to Prince of Peace youth mission trips and scholarships. Chapter for Study and Discussion Chapter 7: The Promise of Living Water Chapter 8: An Adulterous Woman and the Light of the World Martin Luther King holiday weekend no class Chapter 9: Jesus as the Remedy for Two Kinds of Blindness Chapter 10: Good Shepherd; Son of God Chapter 11: Mary, Martha, and the Raising of Lazarus President s Day weekend no class Chapter 12: An Expensive Anointing and A Grand Entrance Chapter 13: Two Kinds of Washing Spring Break for SUSD no class Chapter 14: The Promise of the Holy Spirit Palm Sunday no class Easter Sunday no class Chapter 15: I am the Vine; You Are the Branches Chapter 16: The Work of the Holy Spirit Chapter 17: The Prayer of Jesus Chapter 18: Betrayal and Arrest Chapter 19: The Death of Jesus No Class Chapter 20: The Hope of the Resurrection! Chapter 21: Follow Me Wednesday Bible Study Are you looking for an opportunity to meet new people? Are you looking for a good cup of coffee? Are you wanting a bit more learning in your week? If you have answered yes to any of these questions, then the place for you to be is at Prince of Peace each Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. as we gather with friends, a cup of coffee and our Bibles time for our weekly Bible study! We gather in the choir room and share together how God is speaking the Word to us. Here is your opportunity to share, with previously known and new friends. December 2, 9, 16, 23 The Bells of Christmas This year, Desert Bells International will offer two performances for Christmas at Prince of Peace, on Friday, December 18, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 19. 7:30 p.m. There will be beautiful new arrangements of old Christmas favorites which will ring throughout the sanctuary. Handbells will be joined with organ, chimes, drums and other surprises! Join us for this glorious Christmas celebration! Tickets are $10 prior to the concert and $15 at the door. Theology Pub Bible Study We are not meeting in December but will resume on Tuesday, January 6, at 7 p.m. at Kitchen 56. Join us for a beer (or soft drink) and a lively discussion on the parables of Jesus. Follow in the Footsteps of Martin Luther We have a unique opportunity to visit the birthplace of the Reformation, an event that changed Western history, as almost no other. Pastor Paul Nelson will lead an 11-day trip, beginning October 15, 2016, to celebrate the 500th Anniversary of the Reformation. Following in the steps of Martin Luther, the tour will visit Eisenach, Luther's refuge during the stormy days prior to the Reformation; Erfurt, where Luther was ordained; Wittenburg, where Luther nailed his 95 Theses; Berlin, Leipzig, Nuremberg and Augsburg, all points in Luther s journey. The trip ends in Munich, capital of Bavaria. You may contact Pastor Paul at or talk to him on Sundays! page 7

8 Greetings from the MaaSAE Girls School in Tanzania Thank you for your generous donation of $1,000 to the MaaSAE Girls Lutheran Secondary School MGLSS) scholarship fund. Your donation provides the resources for Jackline John and Namayani Loishorwaki to attend this Tanzanian residential school which enrolls 325 students. It also provides the resources for Naomi Musa to attend Bacho Vocational School. The MasSAE Girls School is now 20 years old. More than 700 students have graduated. Most of the graduates were the first in their family to attend secondary school. Last year 100 percent of the MGLSS Form 4 graduates passed their national exam, compared to a national pass rate of 61 percent. The goal of the post-secondary program is to ensure that MGLSS graduates complete educational programs that will prepare them for careers and employment. To date, more than 200 graduates have received teacher training and approximately 40 graduates are working in health care fields. Diane Jacoby, Director Operation Bootstrap, Africa It is a long time I wrote a letter to you but I am happy now that I am writing again. I thank God that I did Form 4 examination in November 2014 and my examination results came good and I thank God who helped me that I am a Form 5 student now. I wanted to take physics, chemistry and mathematics but mathematics result came bad so I decided to take chemistry, biology and nutrition. I am really studying hard so that to pass Form 6 examination and to continue with University so that to fulfill my goals. Thank you very much for still having a good heart of continuing sponsoring me. May God bless you and give you a long life by protecting you. Namayani Loishorwaki I hope your fine, on my side I am physically and mentally okay. It has been long time since I wrote to you. The aim of this letter is to share to you the good news that I have performed well my national examination of Form 4 and now I am in Form 5 taking chemistry, biology and nutrition. Here in school I am working hard so I can attend my goals. I have made new friends lately from different parts of Tanzania taking different amazing combinations my new friend is taking physics, geography and mathematics. She wants to become a pilot, she is saying hi to you all. Am praying for you guys, pray for me too that I may succeed in my studies. I will be happy to hear from you. Jackline John Global Connections ELCA Global Church Sponsorship God s Work. Our Hands. Prince of Peace is sponsoring Justin & Kari Eller, ELCA missionaries who live in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Thank you to all members of Prince of Peace who have contributed financially to this partnership and those who pray for the Ellers and their ministry in South America. Year-end gifts, through our church, to help pay the Ellers living expenses would be appreciated! The Grand Canyon Synod of the ELCA has a companion relationship with the Lutheran church in Senegal in west Africa. Senegal is 94 percent Muslim. As in many other third world countries, Senegal is marked by very limited education: 4 Among adults at least 25 years old, the average number of years of education is less than five. 4 Of current students in Senegal, 40 percent will drop out before the 6th grade. 4 The literacy rate among adults is 62 percent for men and only 39 percent for women. The low level of education impacts all areas of life in Senegal and acts as a brake on potential development. Senegal is a lowincome country with a food deficit. The ELCA World Hunger program, in partnership with local churches, is active in Senegal, providing health care, loans, animal husbandry assistance, and education. ELCA missionaries in Senegal assist with theological education, health care, and leadership and economic development. Page 8

9 Final Notes from the Bazaar Again our bazaar was a big success. We made approximately $2000. As you know, Mary Quinsler won our raffle quilt and as I understand it from Harry, it is being put to good use. This was my 15th year of chairing our craft bazaar. I have enjoyed it and have met so many wonderful people. The time has come, though, for me and my family to retire and let someone younger and with new ideas take over. I want to thank all my workers my husband, Verne, who has been in charge of the cooking, Suzy Steinmetz in charge of the kitchen serving window, David Mayes in charge of dishwashing, June Larson in charge of hostesses, Verna Lauritsen in charge of finances, Grace Swanson in charge of the bake sale, and many other helpers too many to mention. A special thanks to Sally (Roland Rasmusen's daughter) for helping me both Friday and Saturday setting up and taking down. Also, another special thanks to Kent Larson who comes all the way from Florida each year to help in the kitchen. Kent is a dear friend of Verna Lauritsen and has become a dear friend of ours. God bless all of you. Ellen Schoeneman. Christmas Greeting Cards Available The Elderberries have Christmas packets for sale in Gangsei Hall on Sunday mornings. The packets contain 15 cards for $10. Each card is different but with the same theme. Open the packets and browse through if you want! We also have single Christmas cards at $2 each or three for $5. Cards are made by the Elderberries from the used cards that you donate. Come and see how they turned out and notice the POP stamp on the back. We want to thank everyone who supports this ministry. Have a blessed and merry Christmas! Support Our Church by Buying Gift Cards As you shop, eat out, or travel, you can support Prince of Peace s ministries at the same time, at no extra cost. How? By buying gift cards at Fry s Food. Simply use your Fry s VIP card or telephone number, linked to Prince of Peace, when paying for your gift cards and other items. Our church will receive a rebate on each purchase. Our Bashas rebate for October was $44. Year-to-date, we have earned $1,270 from Bashas and Fry s. If you need a new reloadable grocery card from Bashas (which is also accepted at AJ s Fine Foods and Food City), please let me know. Steve Crofton, Coordinator, Bashas & Fry s grocery store programs ; sec@slwplc.com Holiday Greetings In this holiday season, let s remember our members who cannot be with us each Sunday. A card would be a wonderful reminder to them that they are in our thoughts and prayers now and throughout the year! Beverly Davis 7550 N. 16th St #5215, Phoenix, AZ Opal Groves 1739 W. Myrtle Ave. #110, Phoenix, AZ Marge Harper 7718 E. Rancho Vista Dr., Scottsdale, AZ Helen Harrison 1650 W. Glendale. Apt. CPS3101, Phoenix, AZ Donna Hesse The Springs of Scottsdale, #325, 3212 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale, AZ Dorothy Overmyer The Gardens of Scottsdale, 6001 E. Thomas, Scottsdale, AZ Roland Rasmusen N. 52nd St., Scottsdale, AZ Laura Saeger 5513 N. 79th Street, Scottsdale, AZ Betty Schroeder 8570 Via Del Palacio, Scottsdale, AZ Jeanette Taylor The Springs of Scottsdale, #197, 3212 N. Miller Road, Scottsdale, AZ Phyllis Terry 4812 E. Mitchell Dr., Phoenix, AZ Corinne Westby Paradise Valley Living Center, 6630 E. Lincoln Drive, Paradise Valley, AZ Mid Wolfswinkel Bella Vista Senior Living, Apt. #511, 1825 W. Emelita Ave., Mesa, AZ Page 9

10 Monthly Attendance and Revenue Report as of October 31, 2015 October 2015 October 2014 (4-week month) (4-week month) Monthly Attendance Monthly Offering $26,875 $25,131 Monthly Budget $27,813 $30,795 Variance ($938) ($5,665) Soup Labels Dorcas Circle continues to collect Campbell s Soup labels to support the Navajo Mission School in northern Arizona. Drop labels off in the container on the cart in Gangsei Hall or in the tin container in the office workroom. Remember, we just need the bar codes! Thanks for your support! Roses to F Suzy Steinmetz & Ruth Stone for serving on Altar Guild in November. F Monday Night Bible Study group, Lara family and Martha Weld for bringing goodies to Sunday morning coffee hours in November. F Pastor Paul Nelson for completing his first half-marathon in the recent Phoenix 10K and Lynne McGinley for not only completing the fullmarathon but placing 2nd in her age category. F The Search Team, Personnel Committee and Church Council who have worked diligently to bring Audrey Cox to POP as the new Director of Youth and Family Ministry and also the youth and their families for their support during the transitional period the past few months. Christmas Blessings to all our members and friends. Rock n Roll Water Station Needs You! Sign up to volunteer at the Prince of Peace Water Station for the 2016 Rock n Roll Marathon on Sunday, January 18. Volunteers are needed from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. to set up tables with water and energy drinks, hand out drinks and cheer the runners on. Clean-up is done during the last hour and may be completed by 12:30 p.m. It s a great time of community and upbeat fun. To sign up or for more information, talk with Steve Edgar at or sledgar@gmail.com. Page 10

11 Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday december 2015 Preschool Chapel- 9 am Greeting Cards- 9:30 am Library- 10 am Knitting Group- 1 pm Preschool Jam- 9 am Bible Study- 9:30 am Men s Brown Bag Lunch- 11 am Voices of Praise- 7 pm Sew & Tie Quilters- 9 am Preschool PJ Night- 5:30 pm Quilters- 9 am nd Sunday in Advent One Worship Service- 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship- 10:45 am Sunday School- 9:30 am Kid s Bells- 4 pm Adult Bells- 5 pm AMA Recitals- 6 & 7 pm Women s Bible Study- 6:15 pm Boy Scout Troop #6-7 pm Preschool Chapel- 9 am Library- 10 am Knitting Group- 1 pm Preschool Board- 6 pm Preschool Jam- 9 am Bible Study- 9:30 am Men s Brown Bag Lunch- 11 am Staff Meeting- 11 am Elderberries/US Egg- 11:30 am Voices of Praise- 7 pm Preschool Christmas Program- 11 am Preschool Christmas Program- 11 am Sew & Tie Quilters- 9 am January Messenger deadline Quilters- 9 am Christmas Program rehearsal- 4 pm 3rd Sunday in Advent One Worship Service/ Sunday School Christmas Program- 9:30 am Adult Ed- 10:45 am Coffee Fellowship- 10:45 am Taste of Scandinavia- 4 pm Kid s Bells- 4 pm Adult Bells- 5 pm 4th Sunday in Advent One Worship Service- 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship- 10:45 am 1st Sunday of Christmas One Worship Service- 9:30 am Coffee Fellowship- 10:45 am Dorcas Circle Potluck- 12 noon Grant s Partners- 7 pm Boy Scout Troop #6-7 pm Greeting Cards- 9:30 am Library- 10 am Knitting Group- 1 pm Church Council- 7 pm Preschool closed/ Daycare only Women s Bible Study- 6:15 pm Boy Scout Troop #6-7 pm Preschool closed, Daycare only Library- 10 am Knitting Group- 1 pm Bible Study- 9:30 am Men s Brown Bag Lunch- 11 am Voices of Praise- 7 pm Church Office & Preschool/Daycare closed Christmas Eve Worship 4, 7 & 9 pm Sew & Tie Quilters- 9 am Bells of Christmas- 7:30 pm AA meets nightly, 5:30-6:30 p.m. in Room 11/12 Survivors of Suicide, 2nd & 4th Wednesdays, 7-9 p.m., Room 11/12 Quilters- 9 am Bells of Christmas- 7:30 pm Church office closed Preschool closed, Daycare only Church office closed Preschool closed, Daycare only Preschool closed, Daycare only Bible Study- 9:30 am Church office closed Preschool closed

12 Prince of Peace Lutheran Church 3641 North 56th Street Phoenix, Arizona Return Service Requested NON PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID SCOTTSDALE, AZ PERMIT NO. 77 [ ] [ ] Table of contents Pastor Rick s Message/New Worship Schedule: ONE Service at 9:30 a.m... 1 December/Early January Worship Schedule/Christmas Eve Worship Schedule... 2 Packathon/December Church Office Hours... 3 Welcome Audrey Cox, Welcome Celebration/Youth News... 4 December Passion Projects/Year-end Gifts/News of Members & Friends/AMA Recitals... 5 Children s Ministry/Rally in the Valley/President s Column... 6 A Taste of Scandinavia/Adult Education/Bells of Christmas/Theology Pub Follow in the Steps of Martin Luther/Wednesday Bible Study... 7 MaaSAE Girls School/Global Connections... 8 Final Notes from the Bazaar/Holiday Greetings to Shut-ins/Christmas Greeting Cards Fry s Gift Cards... 9 Rock 'n Roll Water Station/Roses/Campbell Soup Labels Calendar...11